Benzyl alcohol

CAS No- 65-85-0

also known as 1,2-Octanediol

Benzyl alcohol is an ingredient that is used in cosmetics and skincare products to improve the scent, texture, and to increase the longevity of a formulation.

Benzyl alcohol is a colorless liquid with a mild pleasant aromatic scent. It is produced naturally by many plants and is found in small quantities in foods such as apples, raspberries, strawberries, grapes, peaches, and tea. Benzyl alcohol is found in many essential oils including jasmine, hyacinth, neroli, rose, and ylang-ylang.

In addition to its natural occurrence, benzyl alcohol can be synthetically prepared by the hydrolysis of benzyl chloride using sodium hydroxide. This was discovered in the 1800s during developments in the coal tar and dye industry.In cosmetics and skincare products, benzyl alcohol functions as a fragrance component, preservative, solvent, and viscosity-decreasing agent. Most of these functions help to improve the sensory feel and smell of the formulation with little benefit or change to the condition of the skin. While this may make benzyl alcohol seem like an unimportant part of the formulation, it is actually very important to the way the product will last and feel.
Scent
Benzyl alcohol functions as a fragrance ingredient when it is used in high concentrations. Since it is part of the fragrance makeup of essential oils like jasmine, hyacinth, neroli, rose, and ylang-ylang, pure benzyl alcohol imparts a floral-like scent to products. However, as the product ages, the scent can develop changing to a fruity scent and then to an almond scent. The scent of a product is an important component to the product, I’m sure we have all used a product that didn’t quite get the scent right and it made the use rather unpleasant.
Preservative
Benzyl alcohol can also be used as a preservative in cosmetics and skincare products. Benzyl alcohol helps to prevent the growth of bacteria that may be introduced through the air or through contamination through use. The use of preservatives is necessary to prevent bacteria and mold growth, especially since cosmetics have a high potential for contamination. The most susceptible products are creams and lotions that are packaged in jars, opened frequently, and applied to the skin with the fingers. Furthermore, the ingredients used in cosmetic formulations, such as water, oils, peptides, and carbohydrates, plus the warm storage temperatures create the perfect environment for microorganism growth. Microbial contamination can lead to significant health problems, from skin irritation to infections. Preservatives like benzyl alcohol can help to prevent these problems.
As a bacteriostatic preservative, benzyl alcohol works by inhibiting bacterial reproduction, while not necessarily killing them otherwise. This is in contrast to bactericides, which kill bacteria. Since benzyl alcohol cannot kill bacteria, it is typically combined with other preservatives in a cosmetic formulation.
Solvent
Benzyl alcohol also functions as a solvent in cosmetics and skincare products. Solvents help other ingredients dissolve. Solvents can be used to thin out a formulation, which makes the product easier to spread. This is why benzyl alcohol can also be classified as a viscosity-decreasing agent or an ingredient that thins out a formulation. Lastly, solvents can increase the efficacy of active ingredients in a formulation by enhancing their absorption through the skin.Preserves the product: According to Yadav, benzyl alcohol acts as a preservative in skincare and cosmetic products due to its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. “Any cosmetic or personal care product that is made with no preservatives (for example, preservative-free eye drops) generally comes in individual single-use containers to prevent contamination by contact or air,” Krant says. Benzyl alcohol allows products to be bottled in larger packages designed for more than one use.
Stabilizes the formula: Krant adds that the ingredient also acts as a stabilizing agent against the oxidative breakdown of the product, which means it allows your products to work more effectively for a longer period.
Has antioxidant activity: Krant says benzyl alcohol also has antioxidant properties, and antioxidants protect against free-radical damage.
Dissolves ingredients: Benzyl alcohol acts as a solvent and helps to dissolve other ingredients in a product’s formula.1
Decreases viscosity: Benzyl alcohol also decreases viscosity, which allows products to flow more easily.1
Imparts a nice scent: As an aromatic alcohol, benzyl alcohol is naturally fragrant and gives off a slightly sweet scent. Yadav says it’s also naturally found in some essential oils, including ylang-ylang and jasmine, and has a delicate floral scent.